Entertainment

Given the scope of the entertainment industry, it is possible
to envision a job for a grad with nearly any background, but
certainly some may be more likely to find widespread
opportunities.

Athletes and performers may do it for love, but it helps to
be surrounded by a team that can drive profits to the bottom
line.

Don't have a 90 mile-an-hour fastball? Can't sing to save
your life?

Don't despair. Chances are you can still find a job in the
sprawling sports and entertainment industry. Professional
sports teams, theater troupes, rock bands, recording
companies and movie studios employ many thousands of people
who will never receive a standing ovation, make it to the
Hall of Fame or take home an Emmy.

In fact, in a world where stars are often respected as much
for their money-making talent as they are for their artistic
or athletic abilities, showmanship demands a deep backup team
of accountants, sound and video engineers, producers,
directors, cosmetologists physical therapists and trainers,
coaches, agents and theater and stadium managers, marketers,
and food service workers, to name but some of the players in
this high-visibility field.

In 2002, the most recent year for which government statistics
were available, the U.S. Department of Labor reported
athletes, coaches and umpires numbered about 158,000
nationwide. That same year, the department lists:
??28,000 television, video and motion picture
operators;
??about 139,000 actors, producers, and directors;
??215,000 musicians, singers, and related workers;
??approximately 37,000 professional dancers and
choreographers.

Overall, according to federal statistics, the arts,
entertainment, and recreation industry provided about 1.8
million jobs in 2002. Experts forecast growth in this sector
will be faster than average growth for all industries, thanks
to more leisure time, rising incomes and access to live
venues as well as developing technologies such as high-speed
bandwidth and HDTV.

Because of the sheer size of this industry category, it is
difficult to determine the number of positions that require a
bachelor's degree, but it is a given that many business,
marketing, management professionals are among the sports and
entertainment ranks. And increasingly, computer and software
engineers are finding themselves to be most valuable players,
delivering fans access to the stars, while at the same time
capturing valuable demographic information for their
marketing departments.

Grads looking to enter the back office of a pro team, stadium
or production company should expect to work sometimes erratic
hours, since most events take place outside the 9-5, Monday
through Friday time frame. Some jobs - accounting and finance
- will be a bit more predictable, while others - writing,
production, marketing - will peak come show time or depending
on the season.

It makes sense that an off-Broadway show or pro team may
require extensive travel, while managing a concert hall or
ballpark is apt to keep an executive close to home.

Given the scope of the sports and entertainment industry, it
is possible to envision a job for a grad with nearly any
background, but certainly some may be more likely to find
widespread opportunities. What will likely to be more
important in landing a position, is a willingness to do what
it takes to get a foot in the door and then advance while
gaining on-the-job experience. Many will find this an
industry where one can meld business and personal interests,
so competition for jobs is apt to be strong.

For grads, it may be helpful to point out any strong amateur
standing that could show insights into business issues
affecting a particular sport or entertainment genre. A
high-ranked amateur golfer is more likely to land a spot with
the LPGA than someone who can't tell a three iron from a sand
wedge. Internships and summer jobs can also be helpful ways
to beef up your resume.

To enter the business side of sports and entertainment,
useful majors would include business, finance, sports
marketing, physical education, and database administration
and computer and software engineering. Athletes and
performers may do it for love, but it helps to be surrounded
by a team that can drive profits to the bottom line.

English, theater, music, history, philosophy, fine arts,
graphic arts, photography and marketing majors are likely to
find opportunities in creative areas that support either
content development or marketing efforts for a team or venue.

Those with a background in sports medicine, speech and
physical therapy, nutrition and other medical disciplines are
also needed to work with artists and athletes to keep them
healthy and assist as they recover from injuries.

Your mother may not see your name when the credits roll at
the end of a movie, but a career in sports and entertainment
will give you a business reason to enjoy a sport or hobby
when otherwise you should be "at work." You'll be surrounded
by creative and talented colleagues and on a track that will
likely put you front row at some outstanding performances
while you're still on the clock.